How to Read Your Insurance Declarations Page

By Spencer Hoffman · Hoffman Insurance Strategies · Carmel, Indiana

What it is

Your declarations page, or dec page, is the summary at the front of your policy. It lists who and what is insured, the coverages you chose, the limits and deductibles, and the price. If you only read one page of your policy, this is it.

On an auto policy, look for

• Drivers and vehicles: Make sure everyone who drives is listed and the vehicles and VINs are correct.
• Liability limits: Usually shown as three numbers, like 25/50/25: injury per person, injury per accident, and property damage. Indiana and Georgia both set the minimum at 25/50/25, and many people choose more.
• Uninsured and underinsured motorist: Covers you when the other driver has too little or no insurance.
• Collision and comprehensive: These cover your own vehicle, and each has a deductible.
• Lienholder: If you have a loan or lease, the lender should be listed correctly.

On a home policy, look for

• Dwelling coverage: The amount to rebuild your home. It should be based on rebuild cost, not market value.
• Other structures, personal property, and loss of use: Often set as a percentage of the dwelling coverage.
• Personal liability and medical payments: Protection if someone is hurt on your property.
• Deductibles: Many policies have a separate, often higher deductible for wind or hail, and coastal homes may have a named-storm deductible.
• Endorsements: Add-ons like water backup or scheduled jewelry, plus any exclusions.
• Mortgagee: Your lender's name and loan information should be correct.

Check at every renewal

• Have any drivers, vehicles, or addresses changed?
• Do the limits still match what you own and could lose?
• Are discounts for bundling, a new roof, or safety features applied?
• Has the price changed, and do you know why?

Want a second set of eyes?

Send us your declarations pages and we'll walk through them with you and show how other carriers compare on the same coverage. There's no obligation.